Criminal justice reporter

Though a woman who authorities said went missing and was possibly in danger wasn’t found Friday, a search for her in east Athens was called off.

Authorities cancelled the search after personnel from the Athens-Clarke County police and fire departments on Friday scoured the area they thought 57-year-old Deborah Breedlove might be located.

Police officers were given the woman’s photograph and description, and instructed to keep their eyes out for her, said Athens-Clarke County police spokeswoman Hilda Sorrow.

Breedlove left her home on Shadybrook Drive sometime between 4:30-7 a.m. Friday and caused concern about her welfare because she was extremely depressed and had mentioned to a friend that she wanted to go into some woods and die, according to police.

The search had focused on a wooded area between Lexington and Barnett Shoals roads, which includes Dekle Lake and several creeks.

Authorities used an all-terrain vehicle to search trails while a Georgia State Patrol helicopter hovered over the area with a thermal imaging device.

Breedlove is white, has gray hair and was last seen wearing a dark knit ski cap, navy blue sweatpants, black ski jacket and glasses.

If you see an individual matching this description, contact Athens-Clarke County police by dialing 911.